Two sides of gun debate continue to spar

ATLANTA (WXIA) -- As the gun control debate continues, the same two arguments will continue to be heard. On the one side, guns are the only way to prevent future violence. On the other, a proliferation of guns can only mean more violence.

But what does the research show?

"Both sides have theoretically sound arguments, but we just don't have the data to support which side is valid," said Georgia State Criminology professor Dean Dabney.

"We pull what data we have available to analyze, but all the academics would agree that they're not the best measures. We have to do better."

Dabney said most current studies being done on guns are funded by pro-gun or anti-gun groups. There's very little unbiased research available. He said the best research ended when federal funding was stopped. Now that President Obama signed an executive order allowing it again, there is hope for new numbers.

"I can think of no other subject out there that costs us as much money, as many lives and as much grief that we know less about," Dabney said.